NFL football news, Nov. 21

Associated Press

Updated 11:38 pm, Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Now that Greg Jennings is back to practice, playing in a game might not be too far behind.

The Green Bay Packers' No. 1 receiver said he felt great after practicing Wednesday for the first time since having surgery Nov. 1 to repair a torn abdominal muscle. Jennings caught balls and ran routes in his limited time at practice, then went inside to run and work on his endurance.

"There were some routes I was able to push it," he said. "I pretty much pushed myself to see how much I can take. As far as speed, I got up to full speed on a few routes. Felt really great. My wind is horrible right now so I'm trying to get my wind under wraps. But other than that, I felt great.

"I felt no pain whatsoever," he added. "It's been a long time coming since I could say that."

Packers coach Mike McCarthy said it would be "a stretch" for Jennings to play Sunday night against the New York Giants, and Jennings won't put a timetable on his return. But he won't rule himself out against the team that knocked Green Bay out of last year's playoffs, either.

"I don't feel like I'm a long shot. ... I feel great, the body feels great," he said. "Today was a big step for me. Whether or not I'll play this week, that's still yet to be determined. I want to see how I feel tomorrow and how I respond to what took place today."

Bounties hearings: Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue advised league officials and players implicated in the NFL's bounty probe that he plans to complete all hearings by Dec. 4 and make a ruling shortly after.

In a document obtained Wednesday by the Associated Press, Tagliabue directs the NFL to produce key witnesses in the Saints cash-for-hits program, including former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams and former defensive assistant Mike Cerullo.

Four players initially were suspended, but those punishments were vacated and Tagliabue was appointed as an arbitrator over new hearings. Meanwhile, Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma and defensive end Will Smith are playing.

Even as Tagliabue moves forward, a federal judge is considering arguments by players that Tagliabue should be removed because he favors the NFL.

Briefly: Cardinals rookie quarterback Ryan Lindley will start Sunday. The Cardinals also activated running back Beanie Wells. ... Eagles quarterback Michael Vick and running back LeSean McCoy are uncertain for Monday night. ... Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray is likely to miss his sixth straight game Thursday with a concussion. ... Bills running back Fred Jackson was cleared to play after passing a series of concussion tests.

Fantasy football

Starters and benchwarmers

Picks to roll, and get rolled, in Week 12 (excluding the no-brainers):

Take a flier on: Jaguars RB Jalen Parmele, who has stolen the starting job from Rashad Jennings.

Don't be the bonehead who: Doesn't pay attention to Thanksgiving Day inactive reports - several players (Aaron Hernandez, Pierre Garcon and Felix Jones) are shaping up to be game-time decisions.

- Picks by Ladd Biro, 2010 and 2011 Fantasy Sports Writers Association Football Writer of the Year

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